This weekend, Center Stage Theatre's "The Women" at Midland Center for the Arts is putting drama back into theater.

The comedy, directed by Meagan Eager, showcases women of all ages and personalities and the social circumstances they find themselves in.

"You take Mean Girls, you mix in a little Sex in the City, you put it in the 1930s and you just release it," observed Natalie Slawnyk of Midland, who plays the character of Sylvia Fowler.

The play, which premiered in 1936 on Broadway, centers on the lives of a group of Manhattan socialites as they navigate relationships between lovers, husbands, daughters, mothers and each other. It is one of the very few plays that have an all-female cast.

"The opportunity to direct and be part of a production that's all women from top to bottom is truly special. It does not happen," said Eager, of Bay City.

"The Women" is her directorial debut, but she was part of a stage reading of the play in 2016 at Creative 360.

Among the colorful cast of characters are Sylvia and Edith Potter, portrayed by Slawnyk and Sara Gochenour, of Mount Pleasant, respectively. The two characters are among the most compulsive gossipers of the group.

"Sylvia is a lot like the popular girl in high school that everybody wants to be friends with, but nobody actually likes," Slawnyk stated.

"She loves gossip, absolutely loves attention," Gochenour explained.

The third socialite in the group is the Countess DeLage, played by Mary Anne Tessin of Midland.

"The countess is in love with being in love," Tessin said, regarding her character's multiple marriages.

The plotlines come together with the central character, Mary Haynes, played by Megan Applegate of Midland.

"Her world kind of falls apart on her and she has to make some decisions about who she wants to be and what's important to her at the end of the day. She's a little more grounded," Applegate said.

While drama rages onstage, it dissipates backstage between the actresses and crew members. The performers encourage one another, provide food during long rehearsals and have gotten to know each other very well.

"Megan, the director, has really put her foot forth to make sure we get to know each other," Tessin said. "It's been a really positive experience."

"The Women" may have been written in the early 20th century, but its messages on social classes and relationships still remain relatable in today's age. Audience members can expect a few laughs and identify with the different personalities shown in this production, according to cast members.

"There's gender rolls that are exemplified that both men and women in the audience can identify and connect with," Slawnyk said.

"The Women" takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again Feb. 22 and 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday and again Feb. 24 at MCFTA, 1801 W. St. Andrews in Midland. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for students and can be purchased by visiting www.mcfta.org, by calling the ticket office at 989-631-8250 or by visiting MCFTA in person.